| Term: | Description: |
|---|---|
| ICSI | known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. This is a type of IVF where single sperm cells are inserted into the soft center of the egg (cytoplasm) using special micromanipulation equipment. Eggs and sperm are collected in the same way as in IVF and then a single sperm is injected with a tiny needle directly into the egg. |
| Implantation | imbedding the embryo into the lining of the womb. |
| Infertility | the inability of a couple to conceive after at least one year of trying with unprotected sex. |
| IUI | this stands for Intrauterine Insemination. This is where specially washed and prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus. Used to treat infertility due to a low sperm count where the female partner is young and has regular periods and ovulation. |
| IVF | this means “in vitro fertilization”. This is where a woman's eggs are fertilised by sperm outside of her womb (in vitro). Ovulation is controlled hormonally, the eggs are then removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised by sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to the woman's uterus in the hope that it will lead to a successful pregnancy. |